A Weekend Getaway to the Ibis Brisbane & A Hidden Bar

Since I’ve been working full-time, admittedly only for just over a month, I’ve really learnt to appreciate and savour the glorious weekend. My goal until I set off on my next adventure is to explore the cities, towns and wildlife in my own backyard. Since Brisbane is just an hours drive from my home in Burleigh, it’s the perfect weekend getaway destination. What better place to stay than the Ibis Hotel just minutes from the heart of Brisbane’s city and oh so close to the riverfront?! It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday night.

The Hotel

The Ibis Hotels are found worldwide and are known to be perfect for providing comfort and necessities to the business, budget and midrange travellers. I’ve stayed in many an Ibis in my time, such as the Ibis Hong Kong recently, but I do think there were many special aspects of the Ibis Brisbane. Firstly, it’s location is second to none in Brisbane; just minutes away from the centre of the city, it’s super ideal. In my humble opinion, it’s a great location to explore the best sights Brisbane has to offer such as Queen St Mall, restaurants and bars, Suncorp Stadium, Southbank, GOMA and QPAC.

Secondly, the staff are so lovely and accommodating. I had such a pleasant experience right from check in through to check out! We enjoyed just hanging out in the hotel and relaxing so much that we just chilled out with some Japanese takeaway before venturing out to the hidden bar (more to come on that!)

The Room

The Ibis is fit with 218 rooms that are incredibly spacious and comfortable. The design is simple, but really, that’s all you need! You’ll find the rooms are suitable for business trips through to family getaways. I was fortunate enough to stay in the iBusiness Room with two massive Queen beds complete with free wifi, an LCD TV, view over the city and a large bathroom. They even have a 15 minute satisfaction guarantee; if you have a room or breakfast related problem, it will be fixed within 15 minutes – love it!

Facilities & Food

From the Ibis Kitchen to the bar, breakfast buffet and meeting rooms, you’ll feel all your needs are met at the Ibis Brisbane! A wide range of delicious breakfast foods are served up nice and early – I mean, who doesn’t love a good buffet?! For dinner options, the kitchen is open from 6pm til 9pm and even dishes up your favourite vegetarian dishes and gluten free options. Keep in mind that the bar and restaurant is closed on the weekends, which is a little odd in my opinion!

Legends Speakeasy Bar

When the team at the Ibis informed me about the coolest new secret in Brisbane, I was super keen to pay a visit. Old school decor? Check. Out of this world cocktails? Check. Silent films on the walls? Check. Great music? Check. Everything I could love in a bar has come together to form the brand spanking new Legends Speakeasy Bar. What makes it even more special is that you will not find an address for this hideaway, only coordinates! Plus, every week, a new password is released on their Instagram and you cannot enter without it. How cool is that?!

While we did spend over an hour wandering through the city in the rain anxiously trying to find this hidden gem, when we finally reached the code-locked door, it was SO worth it. Basically, it was an adventure in itself just finding the place. We arrived feeling relived and entered into what felt like an exclusive bar reminiscent of the prohibition era. The cocktails were probably the best I’ve ever sipped on and the staff were just so sweet. In a way it felt like a whole little world of its own; I didn’t think I was in Brisbane anymore, that’s for sure.

If I’m ever back in Brisbane soon, you know where to find me – if you have the password that is!

Hey there and welcome! My name is Sophie Matters, a 22-year-old from Australia living in London and exploring the world! Here you'll find travel inspiration, guides, tips and more about my world. Follow along for all your travel matters!

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About Me

SOPHIE MATTERS

Hello there and welcome to Travel Matters! My name is Sophie, a 22-year-old from the Gold Coast, Australia, currently living in London and hoping to see as much of Europe and the U.K in the next 2 years as possible! Here you'll find travel inspiration, guides, tips & more about my world.
Follow along for all your travel matters!
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Currently: London ______________________________________________Up Next: Turkey (April) + The Netherlands (May)